More than 65,000 cars could be removed from Perth’s daily commute if employees continued to work from home twice a week — the preferred number of days on average according to RAC research.
New analysis by RAC has revealed there could be as much as an 11 per cent reduction in commuter traffic on Perth roads, if motorists, who would like to continue working from home, did so twice a week.
RAC General Manager Public Policy and Mobility Anne Still said as COVID-19 restrictions are eased, ongoing working from home arrangements could go a long way to addressing Perth’s congestion problems.
“RAC’s survey found more than 30 per cent worked from home in April, a significant increase from just five per cent when we surveyed our members in January,” Ms Still said.
“Of those, nearly 80 per cent said they’d like to continue doing so at least once a week, with the preferred average being just over two days.
“While there has been a need to manage the short-term challenges, as more people start returning to their workplaces and our roads, we have a rare opportunity to look longer term and consider how things might change permanently in the future.
“Public transport patronage is down and nearly 30 per cent of our respondents say they expect to use their cars more than they did before restrictions were introduced.
“Sitting in traffic not only places a significant toll on our community’s health and wellbeing, it will also hinder the State’s economic recovery.
“Before COVID-19, Infrastructure Australia predicted the cost of congestion to the Western Australian economy would more than double to $3.6 billion annually by 2031 — that doesn’t take into account the real possibility of traffic volumes worsening.
“Flexible working arrangements can be a big part of the solution by helping to ease the pressure on our road network.”
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RAC Media Contact: Caitlin Barr, 0401 703 719 or media@rac.com.au
